Quick Bite: You're Getting Warmer

Why are the Moon and Earth so different temperature-wise if they are essentially the same distance from the Sun? Teachers, ask your students to brainstorm in small groups ways in which Earth and the Moon are the same and different (other than their temperature ranges). Then, as a class, create a chart of similarities and differences on the board and discuss which factors might be responsible for Earth's cozy climate. Watch the video below to see what the answer is!

Video: Earth's Delicate Energy Balance

Calculating Planetary Energy Balance & Temperature from the UCAR Center for Science Education